Neeson in Battle with PETA Over Carriage Controversy

Liam Neeson is squaring up against celebrity animal rights campaigners Pink and Chrissie Hynde over New York’s famous horse-drawn carriages.

The singers have joined forces with People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals to launch a protest against the tourist attraction, claiming the horses are mistreated.

But horse-lover Neeson has stepped up in defense of carriage firms and drivers, insisting the animals are pampered and their owners should be protected.

The actor regularly visits the horses and their owners at the stables on Manhattan’s Upper West side, and said during an appearance on the “The Daily Show with Jon Stewart,” “They’ve been there for a 100 years and they’re an iconic part of New York.”

He adds, “I know many of these guys and I just hate how the horse-drawn carriage industry is being attacked by animal activists.

“These are the fittest, well-fed, best-kept horses I have ever seen. I’m a horse rider and lover for many years. They have a good life. They work nine-hour days and they have a holiday.

“Seriously. If you’ve ever seen these stables. … I’d move in tomorrow.”

His remarks have upset PETA officials, who have fired back with a sarcastic statement: “Liam, maybe you’re right, let me ponder this for a moment. … It does seem like horses would prefer to endure the freezing cold and the panicky booms, noisy traffic, and exhaust fumes of the city over living in a lush pasture.

“And you’re right, they probably much prefer the whips, shouting, heavy gear, traces, and lack of water in the troughs as well as the long shifts trudging for hours and pulling strangers in a half-mile circle all day without rest over living a natural life. Makes sense, right?”